Murta Maria map: beaches, walks and local days around Su Bisu

You do not need to drive far to enjoy this part of Sardinia.

Around Murta Maria, Marina Maria, Porto Istana, Capo Ceraso and Porto San Paolo, there are enough beaches, coves, sunset spots and short walks to fill a full week without travelling across the island. This is especially useful if you have come to rest, prefer moving slowly, have a bicycle, or simply want to use the car as little as possible.

Some days you may only want to cycle down to the sea, drive ten minutes, or spend a few hours somewhere close before returning home. This map is designed for exactly that: local beaches and activities within easy reach of Su Bisu.

This stretch of coast is often described as part of the Costa Turchese, the turquoise coast. The water changes constantly with the light, the wind and the shape of the bays. The trick is not only knowing where the beaches are. It is knowing which one works best on a particular day.

How to use this map

Use the map as a local guide rather than a fixed itinerary.

Some places are easy beach days, like Marina Maria and Porto Istana. Some are quieter coves, like Spiaggia del Pescatore. Some are wilder places with no services, like Poltu Casu and Capo Ceraso. Others are better for walking, sunset, or a short morning hike.

The main decision is usually simple: check the wind first, then choose the beach.

The simple rule: check the wind

Wind matters here more than many visitors expect.

A beach that feels perfect one day can feel uncomfortable the next. The shape of the coast, especially the Capo Ceraso promontory, means different sides are exposed depending on where the wind comes from.

As a general rule:

Maestrale and Ponente
These are the winds to watch most carefully. They usually make the Marina Maria side more exposed. Porto Istana can also feel Maestrale, but smaller coves such as Spiaggia del Pescatore and Spiaggia del Dottore are usually more sheltered.

Grecale and Levante
These tend to affect the Porto Istana, Spiaggia del Pescatore and Spiaggia del Dottore side more directly. On those days, Marina Maria or Bunthe may feel calmer.

Scirocco and Libeccio
These are usually warmer winds. Marina Maria can work very well, and Porto Istana can also be good, especially if you choose a more open part of the beach where the air circulates.

The most important warning is Maestrale. Where Maestrale hits directly, do not fight it with an umbrella. You will spend the day holding it, moving it, or worrying about it.

Marina Maria

Marina Maria is one of the most practical beaches near Murta Maria.

It is not only for a short visit. On the right day, you can easily spend the whole day here. It is close, open, spacious and easy to reach. It works especially well when the weather is hot and there is only a light breeze.

Behind the beach is the lagoon area, which gives Marina Maria a different feeling from the smaller coves around Porto Istana. In spring, you may see pink flamingos. Toward sunset, the colours over the lagoon can be beautiful, especially because the sun drops toward the west and reflects across the water.

The warning is wind. Marina Maria is exposed to Maestrale and Ponente. When the wind is strong, it can become tiring very quickly. Sand moves, umbrellas become stressful, and the beach feels more like a wind-sport location than a place to rest.

Go here for an easy local beach day, sunset colours and open space.

Avoid it on strong Maestrale days unless you are there to walk, watch the wind sports, or enjoy the view without trying to sit under an umbrella.

Bunthe

Bunthe is close to Marina Maria but gives you another angle on the coast.

You can reach it on foot or by car. If you are driving, instead of continuing toward the main Porto Istana beach area, you turn off toward the Bunthe side. It is a useful alternative when you want to stay close but avoid the more obvious beaches.

Bunthe can be especially good when Grecale or Levante is too strong on the Porto Istana side. Because of its position and lower setting, it can feel much calmer. On the right day, it becomes a quiet sunbathing spot with less wind and a slower rhythm.

It is also a beautiful sunset place. From here, you can look back across Marina Maria and the lagoon area, with soft evening light over the water.

There are limited services, so bring what you need.

Porto Istana

Porto Istana is the classic beach in this area.

It has clear water, views toward Tavolara and a more organised beach setup than the smaller coves nearby. It is the place to choose when you want easier access, sunbeds, umbrellas and a more traditional beach day.

It is also popular, so timing matters. Arrive early in high season. Parking is limited, and later in the morning people often start parking along the road. Around late morning there may be some turnover as early visitors leave, but it is not something to rely on.

There are umbrellas and sunbeds available, but in peak season they can go quickly. If you arrive late, you may not find the setup you want.

On warm Scirocco or Libeccio days, Porto Istana can still work well, but choose your position carefully. Some parts feel more enclosed. A more open section of the beach usually gives better air circulation.

Go here for clear water, comfort and the Tavolara view.

Go early for the best version of Porto Istana.

Spiaggia del Pescatore

Spiaggia del Pescatore is one of the best local options when Maestrale is blowing.

It is more sheltered than Marina Maria and often feels calmer, especially in the small area to the left as you enter the beach, where there are trees and a little more protection. The view is beautiful, and the atmosphere is quieter and more local than Porto Istana.

There is no bar, no beach club and no real service structure. Bring water, food, shade and everything you need for the day.

That is part of its charm. This is the kind of place where people arrive prepared, bring chairs, tables and food, and spend the day in a very simple Italian way. It feels more relaxed, less polished, and often more authentic.

Parking is limited. Do not block the road or private access. If there is no space, choose another beach.

Address: Caletta a Porto Istana 07026 Porto Istana SS Italy Get directions

Spiaggia del Dottore and Tre Sorelle

Spiaggia del Dottore and the nearby Tre Sorelle coves are among the most beautiful spots in the area.

They are also less straightforward. The paths can be confusing, exposed and tiring in summer heat. For many visitors, the best way to experience this part of the coast is by boat.

In Maestrale, this side can be nicely sheltered. In Grecale or Levante, it can be much less comfortable. This is why the wind map matters.

Go by foot only with proper shoes, water and enough time.

Go by boat for the easiest and most enjoyable version.

Poltu Casu and Capo Ceraso

Poltu Casu and Capo Ceraso are wilder than the beaches closer to Murta Maria and Porto Istana.

The road becomes rougher after the Li Cuncheddi side, with sections of unpaved road. Drive slowly and do not expect an easy resort-style beach arrival.

This part of the coast is more exposed and rocky. The granite formations are one of the most beautiful details. In places, the boulders feel rounded and softened by the constant movement of the sea. They are good to walk across carefully and make the coastline feel more sculptural and natural.

There are no real services here. Bring water, food, proper shoes and sun protection.

Capo Ceraso is beautiful because it still feels wild. That also means it needs to be respected. Do not leave rubbish, do not camp illegally, and do not light fires.

Hike: Vedetta Capo Ceraso

The walk toward Vedetta Capo Ceraso is one of the best short hikes in the area.

It gives you a higher view of the coast, Tavolara and the bays around Capo Ceraso. It is especially good in the evening. Many locals like to go up for sunset, sometimes with a small aperitivo, then walk back down while there is still enough light.

The sunset from here can be spectacular.

Take proper shoes, water and a light. Do not wait until it is fully dark before starting the way back. After sunset, you usually still have a short window of light, but plan the return properly.

This is a simple but rewarding hike, not a beach walk.

Walk: Porto Istana to Porto San Paolo

This is one of the best coastal walks in the Gulf of Olbia.

There is a useful Wikiloc route for this walk listed as Porto Istana to Porto San Paolo. It is marked as a loop, with a distance of 4.86 miles, moderate difficulty, and a recorded moving time of just over 2 hours. The total recorded time is about 3 hours, which is realistic if you stop for photos, swimming or a break along the coast. (Wikiloc | Trails of the World)

The route follows the water for much of the way, with views across the bay and toward Tavolara. It is not a difficult mountain hike, but it is long enough to feel like a proper morning activity, especially in summer heat.

You do not have to start from the busiest part of Porto Istana. Looking at the map, there is a road that takes you closer to the far end of the beach area, so you can avoid walking across the full beach before the coastal section begins.

One of the nice details is the bar near the parking area at the entrance. After the walk, you can stop there, sit down, have something cold and return to the car without needing to go into the busier main Porto Istana beach area.

Go early in the morning for the best light and cooler temperature. This is also the best time if you want to swim along the way or enjoy the coast before the beaches and roads become busier.

Best for: morning walk, coastal views, Tavolara scenery, light hiking, swimming stops.
Avoid: very hot midday hours, strong Levante or Grecale, and days when the sea is rough on the exposed side.

Porto San Paolo

Porto San Paolo is useful when you want restaurants, bars, boat trips and more activity.

It is also one of the main departure points for Tavolara, so it works well for a half-day trip, an evening meal or a boat excursion. The regular shuttle to Tavolara runs daily and does not require booking, but you should always check the latest times before going.

The current published shuttle departures are:

• 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 13:30

with return options at

• 13:00, 15:30 and 16:30

Current return ticket prices are listed as €25 for adults, €13 for children aged 4 to 12, and free for children aged 0 to 3. The ticket price includes a €2 per passenger environmental contribution for the Tavolara and Capo Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area.

The beach area itself is not the strongest reason to go. Because of the boats, ferries and harbour activity, it does not always give you the classic clear, quiet Sardinian beach feeling. For that, Porto Istana, Spiaggia del Pescatore, Spiaggia del Dottore or Capo Ceraso are usually better.

Go to Porto San Paolo for food, boats, atmosphere and Tavolara access.

Do not choose it mainly as your dream beach day.

Useful link: check the latest Tavolara ferry times and prices on the official Tavolara Traghetti page before you travel.

Hike: Lisandraggio

Lisandraggio is the walk to do directly from Su Bisu.

No car is needed. You can leave from the house, head toward Via Lisandraggio and start walking inland. It is a good early morning route before breakfast, especially around 7 to 9, before the heat builds.

It is more of a fitness walk than a gentle stroll. You can walk until your watch tells you it is time to turn around, then come back the same way. That makes it easy to control the effort and timing.

The views open up as you climb, and the landscape feels different from the beach side of Murta Maria.

It also works in the evening. Sunset can be beautiful, but leave enough time to return before it gets dark.

Practical tips

Check the wind before choosing the beach.

Use the local map together with the wind map.

Do not open an umbrella where Maestrale is hitting directly.

Bring water and food for the smaller beaches.

Wear proper shoes for Capo Ceraso, Spiaggia del Dottore, Tre Sorelle and Lisandraggio.

Arrive early at Porto Istana in high season.

Do not block narrow roads or private access when parking.

Cycling is possible for several local routes, but roads can be narrow and hot in summer. Go early, use lights and avoid the busiest traffic hours.

Take your rubbish back with you.

Final thought

Murta Maria is not only a practical place near Olbia Airport or Porto Istana.

Used properly, it is a very good base for slow local exploration. You can swim, walk, cycle, find a sheltered cove, watch the sunset over the lagoon, or hike inland without spending the day in the car.

That is the real purpose of this map: to help you stay local, choose better, and enjoy the coast around Su Bisu with less effort.